I frequently get questions from hopeful authors about writing a book. Most of these authors are writing a memoir. Many feel they\u2019ve been wronged and they want to make it \u201cright\u201d by exposing the culprits (often a major company or the government). These people contact me for writing help. But I generally give them a lot more than what they ask for. And I\u2019m pretty sure that I give them quite a bit more information than they want. All they want is to write that book and start circulating it to the masses. I attempt to give them a reality check and try to get them to see the whole picture, not just the part where they write a book and live happily and prosperously ever after.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what I generally say to the author who seems to be starting off on the wrong foot with the wrong book, those with minimal writing skill and those with unrealistic expectations:<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore you go head-long into writing a book to publish, please seriously consider two things. What is the purpose of this book? And what is the reason you are writing it? If it is for revenge, for example, this might not be a good enough reason. If you are expecting to make a lot of money, this is highly unlikely. There is MUCH more to producing a book than just getting the writing right. <\/p>\n
In this regard, however, I would suggest that you join a writers\u2019 critique group. Share your work and pay attention to the feedback. If you allow yourself to and if the group is made up of even fairly good writers, you will learn volumes.<\/p>\n
I also recommend that you read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book<\/em>. It is a good education for first-time authors. It is important that you know what goes into a good book, what it takes to get a book published and, most importantly, what the author\u2019s responsibility is after he or she produces a book. Whether you self-publish, go with a pay-to-publish company or land a traditional publisher, it is up to the author to promote his or her book. And most authors fail. Nearly 80 percent of books sell fewer than 100 copies. Publishing is a fiercely competitive business.<\/p>\n It has been my observation (backed up by statistics) that readers are not all that interested in reading memoirs by unknown authors. <\/p>\n I know this sounds awfully discouraging. My intent is to help you gain more understanding about authorship. It is not generally a way to make a lot of money. As I said, only a little over 20 percent of authors make any money and a large percentage of those make only around $1,000 in a year. <\/p>\n In order to be successful, you really have to come out with a good product that is wanted in the marketplace. And you have to know what you\u2019re doing when you enter into the world of publishing. Read my book. And then decide what to do with regard to your book.\u201d<\/p>\n Many of you are nodding your heads vigorously as you read this because you\u2019ve come into the world of publishing either with or without the appropriate education. And you know what a difficult business this can be.<\/p>\n Those of you who continue to harbor unrealistic expectations, tend to ignore the wisdom in messages like this one. <\/p>\n If you have not done so already, begin NOW studying the publishing industry, your options, the possible ramifications of your choices and your responsibility as a published author. Read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.<\/em> This is your education into the publishing industry. This is your college course in preparation for the major, major decision to publish. And this book is currently discounted at my website.<\/p>\n